January 2009
Take it inside
Sometimes it's just too cold or wet to head outside. When that's the case, a gym or your home can be a good place to exercise
and keep up muscle strength for your favorite warm-weather sports.
If you belong to a gym or health club, try something new to spice up your winter workout. Many of them offer such classes as spinning and kickboxing along with jazz and hip-hop dancing. And if you're lucky enough to belong to a gym with a pool, or if you have access to a YMCA with one, consider swimming. It provides a good cardio workout, and it's easy on your joints and bones while still building muscle.
If you work out at home, try dumbbells, resistance bands, and stability balls to keep your workout interesting while building strength, especially in your core (the muscles in your abdomen, back, hip, and pelvic areas). You can create your own mini-gym for less than $100.
The latest home workout device infomercial may tempt you by promising weight loss and a buff body with little effort, but many don't live up to the claims. Take a look at our recent findings (available to subscribers) before parting with your money.
If you can afford more substantial home exercise equipment, consider buying a treadmill, stationary bike, or elliptical machine. Our latest test results and Ratings will help you make the best purchase based on your needs and budget.
Workout videos and DVDs aren't new but there's a lot of new content out there. From yoga and Pilates to strength training and body sculpting, you can choose from hundreds of titles to keep yourself motivated and entertained.
If you belong to a gym or health club, try something new to spice up your winter workout. Many of them offer such classes as spinning and kickboxing along with jazz and hip-hop dancing. And if you're lucky enough to belong to a gym with a pool, or if you have access to a YMCA with one, consider swimming. It provides a good cardio workout, and it's easy on your joints and bones while still building muscle.
If you work out at home, try dumbbells, resistance bands, and stability balls to keep your workout interesting while building strength, especially in your core (the muscles in your abdomen, back, hip, and pelvic areas). You can create your own mini-gym for less than $100.
The latest home workout device infomercial may tempt you by promising weight loss and a buff body with little effort, but many don't live up to the claims. Take a look at our recent findings (available to subscribers) before parting with your money.
If you can afford more substantial home exercise equipment, consider buying a treadmill, stationary bike, or elliptical machine. Our latest test results and Ratings will help you make the best purchase based on your needs and budget.
Workout videos and DVDs aren't new but there's a lot of new content out there. From yoga and Pilates to strength training and body sculpting, you can choose from hundreds of titles to keep yourself motivated and entertained.
